Allegheny County - Always Inspiring
Allegheny County Economic Development - Coordinating Success

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As the county's lead economic and residential development agency, we coordinate development initiatives, ranging in scope from the revitalization of the former Carrie Furnace site to the home improvement dreams of a single county resident.

Attracting businesses to the county — and helping them grow and create jobs — are our top objectives, achieved through a diverse array of financing programs. We also serve as a conduit for federal and state funding.

We coordinate property acquisition, site development and redevelopment, and infrastructure development for major development projects. These areas of expertise are especially critical in the recycling of brownfields, an ACED emphasis.

Through our Housing Development and Consumer Services sections, we improve the county’s housing stock and strengthen its residential neighborhoods. Our chief vehicles are financing programs for individual homeowners, communities, developers and contractors, and nonprofit human services agencies.

We secure funding for major real estate and business development projects, and administer the financing acquired. Our responsibilities include overseeing use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), one of the county’s most important development tools.

Applicant Information

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Project Information

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Results

Possible Funding Source Matches

The Act 152 Allegheny County Blight Removal Program provides funding for demolition and blight remediation planning. se planning efforts.

Requirements:

  • Eligible applicants include municipalities, public authorities, councils of government (COGs), land banks, and private developers. The program uses established blight conditions and focuses on the demolition of hazardous structures, site preparation for development projects, and multi-phase planning efforts. Applications are evaluated on several criteria including inclusion on existing demolition lists, community impact, and potential re-use of the property.

    The ARPA Site Development Fund is intended to allocate grant funds for catalytic development of high impact, employment-ready sites taking place in Allegheny County. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: land and structure acquisition, construction and rehabilitation work, land clearing and preparation, and environmental site assessments related to the creation of a new or revitalization of a previously used site. Nonprofit organizations, government entities, authorities, business owners and private developers with a total project budget of at least $1 million are eligible for an ARPA Site Development Fund grant.

    Requirements:

      Apply:

      American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Site Development Fund

      The ARPA Site Development Fund is intended to allocate grant funds for catalytic development of high impact, employment-ready sites taking place in Allegheny County. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: land and structure acquisition, construction and rehabilitation work, land clearing and preparation, and environmental site assessments related to the creation of a new or revitalization of a previously used site. Nonprofit organizations, government entities, authorities, business owners and private developers with a total project budget of at least $1 million are eligible for an ARPA Site Development Fund grant.

      This application type will open on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
      American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Trails

      The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) has created the Trail Development Fund for shovel-ready trail development projects, associated land acquisition, and/or engineering and design of trails taking place in Allegheny County. Under this new program, eligible non-profits, municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, and private developers will be able to apply for grants for construction with a minimum request of $250,000, land acquisition with a minimum request of $150,000, and for engineering and design with a minimum request of $150,000. Grant funds will be awarded to support the advancement of trail and active transportation projects in Allegheny County. Eligible projects should be primarily centered on creating new trail opportunities, expanding and enhancing existing trail facilities, and facilitating local connections to existing trail and multimodal transportation systems.

      This application type will open on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

      Application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds for projects such as infrastructure, public services, economic development, housing, hunger and nutrition and other activities that benefit low/moderate-income communities and households or support in the creation and retention of jobs for individuals of low/moderate-income households. Allegheny County currently accepts applications for entitlement funding from municipalities, Councils of Governments and non-profit agencies, in September of each year. Note: Applications from individuals are not accepted.

      Requirements:

      • The property is located within Allegheny county.
      • The property must be in a deteriorated area.

        Apply:

        CDBG Yr. 48 Pre-Application (For Construction Projects)

        Pre-applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding are required when applying for funds for public improvement projects. This includes any activity that involves construction. Examples include but are not limited to sewer and water, street construction, building improvements, sidewalk improvements, catch basins, demolition, and ADA improvements.

        This application type will open on Monday, August 9, 2021.
        Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus

        Application for Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding to undertake projects to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Activities must benefit low/moderate-income communities and households. Applications from Non-profit agencies, municipalities and Councils of Governments are accepted for activities, which include Rental Assistance Programs, Eligible Municipal Support Projects, Food Security, Foreclosure Assistance Services and Case Management & Legal Services activities impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Note: Applications from individuals are not accepted.

        This application type is currently open.

        Requirements:

          blabity blah blah

          Requirements:

            GEDTF grants are administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). They are intended to provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. All projects must 1) be located in Allegheny County, 2) adhere to the GEDTF Program Guidelines, and 3) meet Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and other procurement guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application. New applications must be submitted for all previously submitted projects.

            Requirements:

            • Eligible applicants include Municipalities, Authorities (Redevelopment, Industrial, Municipal) Council of Governments, Non-Profit Organizations, Trusts.
            • Projects should have a minimum total project cost of $200,000 and a maximum of $500,000.
            • The project must carry out important economic development.

              Apply:

              Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund 2021

              GEDTF grants are administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). They are intended to provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. All projects must 1) be located in Allegheny County, 2) adhere to the GEDTF Program Guidelines, and 3) meet Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and other procurement guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application. New applications must be submitted for all previously submitted projects.

              This application type will open on Friday, September 10, 2021.
              Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund 2022

              GEDTF grants are administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). They are intended to provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. All projects must 1) be located in Allegheny County, 2) adhere to the GEDTF Program Guidelines, and 3) meet Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and other procurement guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application. New applications must be submitted for all previously submitted projects.

              This application type will open on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

              The Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program (AHILP) is the most affordable way for eligible Allegheny County residents to rehabilitate and improve their homes. The program is sponsored by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC).

              Requirements:

              • Eligible homes are residential, single-family dwellings located in Allegheny County, excluding: City of Pittsburgh, City of McKeesport, Trafford, Penn Hills, McDonald
              • Your home must be a residential, single-family dwelling and you must occupy it year-round as your principal residence.
              • Your property must be deeded in the name of a natural person (versus in the name of any type of corporation, trust, or other entity) and such natural person must have at least 1/2 ownership interest.
              • Total gross household income may not exceed limits.
              • Property taxes must be current/paid up to date.
              • Borrowers must have an acceptable credit history.
              • Building code violations and immediate lead hazards must be addressed, whenever applicable.
              • Work must be completed by a professional contractor who meets AHILP minimum contractor requirements, including insurance requirements.

                The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA), Act 76, provides for tax abatements for commercial and industrial properties in specific areas. The length and dollar amount of the abatement varies with each municipality's ordinance. Most often, the ordinances cover only a limited and specific area of the municipality. Allegheny County does not abate County taxes in all participating municipalities, but it does serve as an information conduit for all the participating taxing bodies regardless of county participation.

                Requirements:

                • The property is located within Allegheny county.
                • The property must be in a deteriorated area.
                • Activity meets the policy requirements of the Allegheny county LERTA program guidelines.
                • The development is consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the Allegheny county comprehensive land use and growth management plan.
                • Activity involves new construction or improvements to certain industrial, commercial or other business properties.
                • Applicant must demonstrate that the proposed area will continue to deteriorate without a LERTA.
                • The development must leverage private investment and create/ sustain quality jobs.

                  The Department of Community and Economic Development is pleased to
                  introduce the Single Application for Assistance. The idea is simple. Through
                  one form, applicants can apply for financial assistance from the Department’s
                  various funding sources. This approach to economic and community
                  development features effective service and personal attention to the needs of
                  our customers. It also reduces duplicative paperwork, facilitates the
                  coordination of Department resources and allows our customers and
                  department personnel to devote resources to what is important – creating jobs
                  and building strong communities.

                  Requirements:

                    Apply:

                    Local Share Account Statewide Program - Pennsylvania Single Application For Assistance

                    Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development (PA-DCED) has announced the availability of the Single Application for Assistance which allows applicants to apply for various programs using one form while capturing specific program information needed to evaluate the project for possible funding. The application is designed to help applicants comprehend the program requirements upfront and expedite the review process. Through one form, applicants can apply for financial assistance from the Department’s various funding sources. This approach to economic and community development features effective service and personal attention to the needs of the State's customers. It also reduces duplicative paperwork, facilitates the coordination of PA-DCED resources, and allows its customers and department personnel to devote resources to what is important – creating jobs and building strong communities. IMPORTANT NOTE: THERE IS A MANDATORY $150.00 APPLICATION FEE REQUIRED WITH EACH APPLICATION SUBMISSION.

                    This application type will open on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

                    The Allegheny County TIF Program exists pursuant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tax Increment Financing Act 1 of July 11, 1990 (the "Act"). The Act provides an additional mechanism for a municipality to contribute to the economic development of their respective jurisdictions through the creation of a Tax Increment Financing District. Within a TIF District, all or some of the incremental real estate tax revenue generated by the development in that District can be used to finance public or private improvements associated with that development.

                    Requirements:

                    • The property is located within Allegheny county.
                    • The development shows a public benefit.
                    • The TIF proposal meets the policy requirements of the Allegheny county TIF program guidelines.
                    • The project results in the redevelopment of a blighted area and/or provide new economic development.
                    • The development is consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the Allegheny county comprehensive land use and growth management plan.
                    • The tax increment funding is used for public infrastructure & exceeds $1m in bond proceeds.
                    • The applicant is able to demonstrate that the project would not be economically feasible and would not occur in the blighted and substandard area without the use of the TIF.

                      The Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program (VPRP) acquires vacant, blighted properties and conveys them to applicants who have developed 1) a concrete reuse plan and 2) demonstrated the capacity to implement it. Applicants may include individuals, municipalities, community groups, local businesses, and private and nonprofit developers.

                      Requirements:

                      • Applicant is current on taxes, water, sewage, and refuse bills on all properties owned in Allegheny County.
                      • Applicant does not have any outstanding code violations or municipal liens on properties owned in Allegheny County.
                      • Applicant must own a parcel that contains a principal structure and shares a common boundary with the property they are applying to acquire (an exemption to this requirement is for applications to renovate a vacant structure or new construction).
                      • Applicant has not engaged in sales negotiations with the record owner in the past year and is not related to the record owner.
                      • This is not an application for more than two vacant lots or vacant structures to be demolished in any three-year period.
                      • This is not application for more than one vacant structure to be rehabilitated at a time.
                      • This is an application for a vacant lot or parcel less than one acre in size that is in a participating municipality and has at least three years of tax delinquency.
                      • The property has not been listed for sale in the past year and is not actively undergoing another form of acquisition (e.g., Sheriff Shale, Conservatorship).

                        Requirements:

                          Other Funding Sources

                          The Act 152 Allegheny County Blight Removal Program provides funding for demolition and blight remediation planning. se planning efforts.

                          Requirements:

                          • Eligible applicants include municipalities, public authorities, councils of government (COGs), land banks, and private developers. The program uses established blight conditions and focuses on the demolition of hazardous structures, site preparation for development projects, and multi-phase planning efforts. Applications are evaluated on several criteria including inclusion on existing demolition lists, community impact, and potential re-use of the property.

                            The ARPA Site Development Fund is intended to allocate grant funds for catalytic development of high impact, employment-ready sites taking place in Allegheny County. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: land and structure acquisition, construction and rehabilitation work, land clearing and preparation, and environmental site assessments related to the creation of a new or revitalization of a previously used site. Nonprofit organizations, government entities, authorities, business owners and private developers with a total project budget of at least $1 million are eligible for an ARPA Site Development Fund grant.

                            Requirements:

                              Apply:

                              American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Site Development Fund

                              The ARPA Site Development Fund is intended to allocate grant funds for catalytic development of high impact, employment-ready sites taking place in Allegheny County. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: land and structure acquisition, construction and rehabilitation work, land clearing and preparation, and environmental site assessments related to the creation of a new or revitalization of a previously used site. Nonprofit organizations, government entities, authorities, business owners and private developers with a total project budget of at least $1 million are eligible for an ARPA Site Development Fund grant.

                              This application type will open on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
                              American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Trails

                              The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) has created the Trail Development Fund for shovel-ready trail development projects, associated land acquisition, and/or engineering and design of trails taking place in Allegheny County. Under this new program, eligible non-profits, municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, and private developers will be able to apply for grants for construction with a minimum request of $250,000, land acquisition with a minimum request of $150,000, and for engineering and design with a minimum request of $150,000. Grant funds will be awarded to support the advancement of trail and active transportation projects in Allegheny County. Eligible projects should be primarily centered on creating new trail opportunities, expanding and enhancing existing trail facilities, and facilitating local connections to existing trail and multimodal transportation systems.

                              This application type will open on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

                              Application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds for projects such as infrastructure, public services, economic development, housing, hunger and nutrition and other activities that benefit low/moderate-income communities and households or support in the creation and retention of jobs for individuals of low/moderate-income households. Allegheny County currently accepts applications for entitlement funding from municipalities, Councils of Governments and non-profit agencies, in September of each year. Note: Applications from individuals are not accepted.

                              Requirements:

                              • The property is located within Allegheny county.
                              • The property must be in a deteriorated area.

                                Apply:

                                CDBG Yr. 48 Pre-Application (For Construction Projects)

                                Pre-applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding are required when applying for funds for public improvement projects. This includes any activity that involves construction. Examples include but are not limited to sewer and water, street construction, building improvements, sidewalk improvements, catch basins, demolition, and ADA improvements.

                                This application type will open on Monday, August 9, 2021.
                                Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus

                                Application for Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding to undertake projects to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Activities must benefit low/moderate-income communities and households. Applications from Non-profit agencies, municipalities and Councils of Governments are accepted for activities, which include Rental Assistance Programs, Eligible Municipal Support Projects, Food Security, Foreclosure Assistance Services and Case Management & Legal Services activities impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Note: Applications from individuals are not accepted.

                                This application type is currently open.

                                Requirements:

                                  blabity blah blah

                                  Requirements:

                                    GEDTF grants are administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). They are intended to provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. All projects must 1) be located in Allegheny County, 2) adhere to the GEDTF Program Guidelines, and 3) meet Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and other procurement guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application. New applications must be submitted for all previously submitted projects.

                                    Requirements:

                                    • Eligible applicants include Municipalities, Authorities (Redevelopment, Industrial, Municipal) Council of Governments, Non-Profit Organizations, Trusts.
                                    • Projects should have a minimum total project cost of $200,000 and a maximum of $500,000.
                                    • The project must carry out important economic development.

                                      Apply:

                                      Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund 2021

                                      GEDTF grants are administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). They are intended to provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. All projects must 1) be located in Allegheny County, 2) adhere to the GEDTF Program Guidelines, and 3) meet Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and other procurement guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application. New applications must be submitted for all previously submitted projects.

                                      This application type will open on Friday, September 10, 2021.
                                      Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund 2022

                                      GEDTF grants are administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). They are intended to provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County. All projects must 1) be located in Allegheny County, 2) adhere to the GEDTF Program Guidelines, and 3) meet Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and other procurement guidelines. Please review the guidelines before submitting your application. New applications must be submitted for all previously submitted projects.

                                      This application type will open on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

                                      The Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program (AHILP) is the most affordable way for eligible Allegheny County residents to rehabilitate and improve their homes. The program is sponsored by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC).

                                      Requirements:

                                      • Eligible homes are residential, single-family dwellings located in Allegheny County, excluding: City of Pittsburgh, City of McKeesport, Trafford, Penn Hills, McDonald
                                      • Your home must be a residential, single-family dwelling and you must occupy it year-round as your principal residence.
                                      • Your property must be deeded in the name of a natural person (versus in the name of any type of corporation, trust, or other entity) and such natural person must have at least 1/2 ownership interest.
                                      • Total gross household income may not exceed limits.
                                      • Property taxes must be current/paid up to date.
                                      • Borrowers must have an acceptable credit history.
                                      • Building code violations and immediate lead hazards must be addressed, whenever applicable.
                                      • Work must be completed by a professional contractor who meets AHILP minimum contractor requirements, including insurance requirements.

                                        The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA), Act 76, provides for tax abatements for commercial and industrial properties in specific areas. The length and dollar amount of the abatement varies with each municipality's ordinance. Most often, the ordinances cover only a limited and specific area of the municipality. Allegheny County does not abate County taxes in all participating municipalities, but it does serve as an information conduit for all the participating taxing bodies regardless of county participation.

                                        Requirements:

                                        • The property is located within Allegheny county.
                                        • The property must be in a deteriorated area.
                                        • Activity meets the policy requirements of the Allegheny county LERTA program guidelines.
                                        • The development is consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the Allegheny county comprehensive land use and growth management plan.
                                        • Activity involves new construction or improvements to certain industrial, commercial or other business properties.
                                        • Applicant must demonstrate that the proposed area will continue to deteriorate without a LERTA.
                                        • The development must leverage private investment and create/ sustain quality jobs.

                                          The Department of Community and Economic Development is pleased to
                                          introduce the Single Application for Assistance. The idea is simple. Through
                                          one form, applicants can apply for financial assistance from the Department’s
                                          various funding sources. This approach to economic and community
                                          development features effective service and personal attention to the needs of
                                          our customers. It also reduces duplicative paperwork, facilitates the
                                          coordination of Department resources and allows our customers and
                                          department personnel to devote resources to what is important – creating jobs
                                          and building strong communities.

                                          Requirements:

                                            Apply:

                                            Local Share Account Statewide Program - Pennsylvania Single Application For Assistance

                                            Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development (PA-DCED) has announced the availability of the Single Application for Assistance which allows applicants to apply for various programs using one form while capturing specific program information needed to evaluate the project for possible funding. The application is designed to help applicants comprehend the program requirements upfront and expedite the review process. Through one form, applicants can apply for financial assistance from the Department’s various funding sources. This approach to economic and community development features effective service and personal attention to the needs of the State's customers. It also reduces duplicative paperwork, facilitates the coordination of PA-DCED resources, and allows its customers and department personnel to devote resources to what is important – creating jobs and building strong communities. IMPORTANT NOTE: THERE IS A MANDATORY $150.00 APPLICATION FEE REQUIRED WITH EACH APPLICATION SUBMISSION.

                                            This application type will open on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

                                            The Allegheny County TIF Program exists pursuant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tax Increment Financing Act 1 of July 11, 1990 (the "Act"). The Act provides an additional mechanism for a municipality to contribute to the economic development of their respective jurisdictions through the creation of a Tax Increment Financing District. Within a TIF District, all or some of the incremental real estate tax revenue generated by the development in that District can be used to finance public or private improvements associated with that development.

                                            Requirements:

                                            • The property is located within Allegheny county.
                                            • The development shows a public benefit.
                                            • The TIF proposal meets the policy requirements of the Allegheny county TIF program guidelines.
                                            • The project results in the redevelopment of a blighted area and/or provide new economic development.
                                            • The development is consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the Allegheny county comprehensive land use and growth management plan.
                                            • The tax increment funding is used for public infrastructure & exceeds $1m in bond proceeds.
                                            • The applicant is able to demonstrate that the project would not be economically feasible and would not occur in the blighted and substandard area without the use of the TIF.

                                              The Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program (VPRP) acquires vacant, blighted properties and conveys them to applicants who have developed 1) a concrete reuse plan and 2) demonstrated the capacity to implement it. Applicants may include individuals, municipalities, community groups, local businesses, and private and nonprofit developers.

                                              Requirements:

                                              • Applicant is current on taxes, water, sewage, and refuse bills on all properties owned in Allegheny County.
                                              • Applicant does not have any outstanding code violations or municipal liens on properties owned in Allegheny County.
                                              • Applicant must own a parcel that contains a principal structure and shares a common boundary with the property they are applying to acquire (an exemption to this requirement is for applications to renovate a vacant structure or new construction).
                                              • Applicant has not engaged in sales negotiations with the record owner in the past year and is not related to the record owner.
                                              • This is not an application for more than two vacant lots or vacant structures to be demolished in any three-year period.
                                              • This is not application for more than one vacant structure to be rehabilitated at a time.
                                              • This is an application for a vacant lot or parcel less than one acre in size that is in a participating municipality and has at least three years of tax delinquency.
                                              • The property has not been listed for sale in the past year and is not actively undergoing another form of acquisition (e.g., Sheriff Shale, Conservatorship).

                                                Requirements:

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